Injury forces Howard out for season

PHIL EDWARDS10 Jul 2014, 10:58 p.m.

THE Launceston Tornadoes have lost key forward Olivia Howard for the rest of the SEABL season as they prepare to welcome back two former teammates in tomorrow night's game against Geelong at Elphin Stadium.

THE Launceston Tornadoes have lost key forward Olivia Howard for the rest of the SEABL season as they prepare to welcome back two former teammates in tomorrow night's game against Geelong at Elphin Stadium.

Olivia Howard

Howard has been plagued with a knee and back injury this season and on medical advice will bring forward surgery on her knee and focus on recovering for next season.

``It was a hard decision for her and obviously devastating for the whole team, but we all agree, she needs to focus on what's best for her and prepare for next year,'' Tornadoes head coach Peta Sinclair said.

The Lady Supercats will be a tough opposition boasting a 10-7 record and sitting fifth on the Eastern conference ladder.

Former Torns player Sara Blicavs and Launceston's own Tayla Roberts will provide Geelong with the strongest rebounding force in the league alongside Candice Rogers.

The Tornadoes will be looking to build on their strong performance at home in their round 13 clash against ladder-leader Bendigo when they went down by 10 points.

They will look to capitalise on a home-court advantage, coupled with a tough round for Geelong, having already played Nunawading on Wednesday night and meeting Hobart tonight.

Coach Sinclair has returned to take the reins after managing the Australian under-17 women's team at the world championships in Italy and Czech Republic.

``We'll look to Ally Wilson to match up against Blicavs - both players are extremely athletic, so it will be a great show down and Abby Bishop will have the task on Roberts at the post,'' she said.